Symbolic representation of Tun Dr Mahathir: visual analysis of a Malaysian short film

The fragmented frames of a short film which comprise still images and signs can be visually explored in the representation of timing. The significance of such a visual representation can lead to the formation of synchronised discursive structures that reflect upon political and social time summons in the past, present and future. The issue is that the political and social agendas mapped with ideas of a pre-election campaign and synchronised with time summons may indirectly provoke viewers’ perception of a social actor through semiotic implications. Using a single component framework consisting of Kress and van Leeuwen’s (2006) grammar of visual design, representational and viewer network and Hall’s (2006) reception theory, this study explores the way agency is targeted visually towards the idea of a political change with pre-election sentiments of a prime minister. On one hand, through the choice of images Tun Dr Mahathir’s past political successes are symbolically represented. On the other hand, he is signified with message of ‘hope’ for a better future to his country and nation

Synthesis, FT-IR, FT-Raman and quantum chemical investigations of N-(3-methylphenyl)-2,2-dichloroacetamide

N-(3-methylphenyl)-2,2-dichloroacetamide of the configuration XyC6H5-y-NHCO-CHCl2 (where, X = CH3 and y =1) was synthesized and an extensive spectroscopic investigations have been carried out by recording the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and FT-Raman spectra in an effort to provide the complete analysis of the fundamental modes of the compound. The ab initio and DFT studies were carried out with 6-311++G(d,p) and 6-31G(d,p) basis set to determine the structural, thermodynamical and vibrational characteristics of the compound. The steric influence of methyl group on the characteristic frequencies of amide (-CONH-) group has been analysed

Correction: Assessment of lung function in successfully treated tuberculosis reveals high burden of ventilatory defects and COPD.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217289.]

Assessment of lung function in successfully treated tuberculosis reveals high burden of ventilatory defects and COPD.

BackgroundBurden, phenotype and risk-factors of lung function defects in successfully treated tuberculosis cases are unclear.MethodsWe performed spirometry with bronchodilators in new drug-sensitive adult (≥18 years) pulmonary tuberculosis cases during the 12 months following successful treatment in India. Airflow obstruction was defined as pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVCResultsOf the 172 participants included in the analysis, 82 (48%) were female, 22 (13%) had diabetes and 34 (20%) ever-smoked with a median (IQR) exposure of 3.5 (0.2-9.9) pack-years. Median (IQR) age and body-mass index (BMI) at enrollment was 32 (23-39) years and 18.1 (16.0-20.5) kg/m2 respectively. Airflow obstruction was detected in 42 (24%) participants; of whom 9 (21%) responded to short-acting bronchodilators and 25 (56%) had COPD; and was associated with duration of illness prior to treatment (aOR = 1.32 per 30-days, 95%CI 1.04-1.68, p = 0.02). A restrictive spirometry pattern was detected in 89 (52%) participants and was associated with female sex (aOR = 3.73, 95%CI 1.51-9.17, p = 0.004) and diabetes (aOR = 4.06, 95%CI 1.14-14.42, p = 0.03). Higher HbA1c at treatment initiation was associated with greater odds of a restrictive spirometry pattern (aOR = 1.29 per unit higher HbA1c, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.60, p = 0.02).ConclusionWe found a high burden of lung function defects and COPD in tuberculosis cases who successfully completed treatment. Screening for chronic lung diseases following treatment and linkage to respiratory health clinics should be included in the routine management plan of all tuberculosis cases in India, regardless of conventional COPD risk-factors such as older age and smoking